THE PLAYERS Championship: 5 bold predictions

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Phil Mickelson hits his tee shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the 2016 Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

4th Bold Prediction: The 16th hole will give up 6 eagles this year. One will belong to Phil Mickelson.

Coming as it does before the devilish 17th hole, the 523 yard par-5 16th at TPC Sawgrass just doesn’t get much attention. It’s the easiest hole on the golf course and has a history of giving up more than it’s share of birdies (2492) and eagles (189) since the PGA TOUR started keeping course stats for the track in 2003.

The 16th is a hole that has tremendous potential for high drama and big action. This is a hole where guys who are trailing can take a risky shot and turn things around. In other words, the 16th will provide the setting for some last-minute golf drama.

Fred Couples in 1996 and Davis Love III in 2003 both secured PLAYERS victories by shrewd – some would also add “lucky” shots into the 16th green. This is definitely a hole that’s going to be worth watching and could be the decisive hole come Sunday afternoon. But even before Sunday, there will be plenty of birdie and eagle opportunities on the 16th hole, and there’s nothing quite as much fun as watching an eagle putt drop!

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